For Immediate Release
July 27, 2016
Contact:
John Crooks
(865) 223-4513
KNOXVILLE'S FIRST CHARTER SCHOOL DOUBLES, EXPANDS TO MIDDLE SCHOOL ON FIRST DAY OF NEW SCHOOL YEAR
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Emerald Academy, Knoxville’s first public charter school, doubled in size today as scholars were welcomed back for the new school year.
During 2016-2017, Emerald Academy will be home to approximately 250 kindergarten, first, second and sixth grade students.
“From the time we began the application process for the school, our goal was always to get to middle school as quickly as possible to help close academic gaps for children in the city,” said Emerald Charter Schools board president Steve Diggs. “We had a very successful first year at Emerald Academy, and we are particularly excited to expand that growth to sixth grade scholars.”
The Knox County Board of Education approved a proposal from Emerald Charter Schools in 2014 to launch Emerald Academy, which will eventually house more than 500 scholars from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Enrollment for the 2016-2017 school year outnumbered available spaces by nearly five to one, and scholars were chosen by a random lottery.
Emerald Academy’s mission is to grow scholars into leaders by creating the best learning culture for city students to develop the skills, habits, and values for success in high school, college and life.
“Our teachers and staff returned the first week of July, diligently preparing for the new school year,” said school director Dr. Jon Rysewyk. “Much hard work has been ongoing to prepare for our upper school grades, so we are definitely ready to open the doors to our sixth grade scholars.”
The school is located in Mechanicsville at the historic Moses School Building, 220 Carrick Street. Supporting opportunities are available. For more information about the school and how to become involved, visit www.emeraldacademy.org.
About Emerald Academy
Emerald Academy is a tuition-free, independently-operated, K-8 college preparatory public school launched by Emerald Charter Schools and Emerald Youth Foundation. The school’s mission is to grow scholars into leaders by creating the best learning culture for city students to develop the skills, habits, and values for success in high school, college and life.